Sedation Dentistry

At New Smiles in Sherwood, Oregon, we pride ourselves on providing caring, empathetic dentistry for our patients. But sometimes, a patient suffers from a higher level of dental anxiety or has a very low tolerance for pain. The corresponding apprehension about going to the dentist can lead to patients missing or not scheduling appointments, which can exacerbate dental health problems. To help our patients overcome these issues, we offer sedation dentistry.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. At New Smiles in Sherwood, OR we offer four levels of sedation:

Nitrous Oxide sedation where the patient is awake, but relaxed.

Oral conscious sedation where the patient is conscious, but may not remember much of the procedure.

Conscious IV sedation where the patient is on the edge of consciousness, but can still be awakened.

Deep IV sedation is using an anesthesiologist, where the patient is not conscious and breathing is supplemented.

Sedation dentistry is recommended for patients who have any of the following conditions: dental anxiety, highly sensitive teeth, difficulty in achieving numbness through anesthetics, and extensive dental needs.

Oral Sedation Advantages

Oral sedation is an excellent method of treatment for patients who have any of the following concerns:

Dental Anxiety

Difficulty Getting Numb

Very Sensitive Teeth

Extensive Dental Needs

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is inhaled through a mask that’s placed over the nose during treatment for minimal sedation. The gas helps the patient relax. Nitrous oxide does not put the patient to sleep, and he or she can hear and respond to the directions of the dentist throughout the procedure. The gas effects tend to wear off quickly, so patients usually can drive themselves home afterward.

Oral Sedation

During oral sedation, pills are taken about an hour before the procedure starts. It will make you drowsy, but you’ll usually stay awake. The dose will determine the level of sedation. Even though you are conscious and responsive during your treatment, you may not remember much of the procedure. Throughout the procedure, your vital signs are monitored. Patients may have their grogginess persist even after the procedure is complete, so we require bringing someone with you to drive you home.

IV Sedation

Intravenous sedation, or IV sedation, is when a sedative is injected directly into the vein. This moderate level of sedation can be achieved almost instantly and the dentist can continually control the amount of sedative administered. Even though you are conscious and responsive during your treatment, you may not remember much of the procedure. Throughout the procedure, your vital signs are monitored. Patients may have their grogginess persist even after the procedure is complete, so we require bringing someone with you to drive you home.

Deep IV Sedation

Deep Intravenous sedation, or Deep IV Sedation requires an anesthesiologist or equivalent to administering the sedative directly into the vein. This deep level of sedation is most appropriate for a longer procedure and requires supplementary breathing during sedation. Deep IV sedation will produce amnesia of the procedure. Throughout the procedure, your vital signs are monitored. Patients will remain unsteady even after the procedure is complete, so we require bringing someone with you to drive you home.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are interested in sedation dentistry and would like to see if you are a good candidate, call (503) 925-9595 to schedule a consultation at our office in Sherwood, OR.